University of Pennsylvania campus

Health Sciences

DScD Doctor of Science in Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania

University of Pennsylvania, United States

Programme overview

Research doctorate for students with a DMD/DDS or equivalent that combines clinical specialty training with advanced research, preparing graduates for academic dentistry as clinical or basic science researchers. Students devote 40% to 80% of their time each year to research.

Faculty: School of Dental Medicine  |  Duration: 4 to 8 years depending on track (without clinical certificate: 4 years); minimum 80 credit hours  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Philadelphia, PA, United States

What you will study

Core Graduate Dental Education courses, three didactic Biomedical Graduate Studies courses related to the research topic, a K08 or K23 style grant proposal as qualifying exam, and a thesis with oral defense. With a specialty certificate the programme is 5 years (Endodontics, Orthodontics, Oral Medicine, Pediatric Dentistry), 5.5 (Periodontics), 6 (Periodontics/Prosthesis) or 8 (Oral Maxillofacial Surgery).

Career pathways

Careers in academic dentistry as clinical or basic science researchers.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

If the applicant already has a certificate in a clinical specialty, he or she can apply directly to the DScD program. For more information: https://www.dental.upenn.edu/admissions-academics/graduate-dental-education-programs/doctor-of-science-in-dentistry/ This degree requires a minimum of 80 Credit Hours.

Each graduate and professional programme has its own admissions process and entry terms; applicants apply directly to the programme of interest.

Graduate and professional programmes are housed in 12 schools; each programme has a separate admissions process and applicants apply directly to the programme of interest.

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